Feeling Overwhelmed by a Boss Who Unfairly Blames Me – How Do You Cope?

I'm sick of my job. My boss blames me for stuff I don't even do. Yesterday before I left work, I made sure I did all my tasks that I was supposed to do before leaving. Then today, he approaches me and says, "Oh, how come you didn't do such and such?" and I told him, "Hey, you know I did everything I was supposed to do." He's just assuming things about me that aren't true.

I felt terrible at work; I had an anxiety attack and broke down crying. It felt like I couldn't breathe properly after this happened. He had no right to say I didn't complete my work because I made sure I did before leaving. So, I informed another person at work about it, and they are going to speak with him. I hope they do because that's what he needs.

I get frustrated when he continuously watches me work. Additionally, he walks back and forth while I'm trying to focus, making me uncomfortable. He just started criticizing me for no valid reason at all, even though I know I completed my tasks correctly. He acknowledges I did the right amount; he's just picking on me for no reason. He's just being a jerk, a big one!

Effective Communication and Reporting in the Workplace

There are two things that you must be aware of and should be doing in your office:

1.  Communication via email
2.  Daily reports

Send an email to your boss for every task that has been assigned to you. At the end of the day, send a report to your boss highlighting all the tasks that were assigned to you and completed by you. This will help you. Companies that rely on oral communication attract a lot of chaos and disruption.

It is unfortunate that such difficult bosses are a reality. Hope you have considered the suggestions given in the mails above. Perhaps you can calmly think from your side about what you can do. You have poured out your emotions. That is good to let off steam. But the fact of the matter is many such people exist, and they trouble us in one way or another. It is up to us to find a solution. A bit of preparation from your side on how you take these things is very important.

Please see the thread (ppt) posted by Colonel Jude Mayne and follow the thread. The above thread reference has come in Cite Communities' letter today also (4 Sep 2012). Try to read Stephen Covey's book on Seven Habits. Many concise presentations on Seven Habits are available in Cite HR. Every day, go to work with a strong resolve of the mind. "I will be questioned but I will not crumble, and I will face it boldly." Keep telling this to yourself to build up your confidence. Make sure that you are firm and assertive but not combative. You can also go through a gamut of postings on 'reaction' and 'responses'. Hope you will get better after going through the postings as above.

Regards, V. Raghunathan ......................................... Navi Mumbai

It is part and parcel of the system. Some work hard while others take it easy. It is evident that you are under stress, and the situation indicates a state of burnout. Please make yourself comfortable and share your feelings with others, especially family members.

Provide a status report to him (if you have not already communicated the progress report to your boss) and ensure that such errors will not occur again. Do not repeat mistakes if you wish to remain in the same position. Work towards normalizing the situation, as you understand him better than others. Establish interaction with him.

Remember, having a boss like him can enhance your perfectionism at work. If not, consider changing organizations or locations.

Thank you.

Facing Challenges at Work

While doing a job, always remember that "Survival of the fittest" applies. Leaving the job is not the solution to the problem. Think positively that you are gaining experience from the rude behavior of your boss. Remove the thought of leaving the job and face him.

Regards,
Rahul

Try your best to accept your boss as he is. He is a man with many weaknesses and, like you, many responsibilities and bosses to answer to also. Forgive him for his weaknesses; forgiving is much better than anything else.

Of course, you have the right to fight back. To fight back, or rather to resolve the situation, first ask yourself, 'Is it me?' It could be some of your mistakes or misbehaviors that initiated that kind of response or attitude from your boss.

Then it is best to approach him and talk, but approach with the love of a human to another, without a blaming attitude, and with forgiving thoughts and high respect. I believe only then can things change for the best.

Regards,
Kiflio.

Don't leave your job; it's not a solution! I agree with V. Raghunathan and Shradha. If you find your next boss to be the same, what will you do? So, continue doing your work and prove yourself.

There seems to be something amiss between you and the boss. Please have one-to-one discussions with him on the following issues:

a. His expectations and your commitment to meet them.

b. Tactfully convey your loyalty to him.

Please do not get emotional, as things deteriorate in that manner. Try to digest some hard stuff as well; it is a part of the game.

You may also consider other suggestions like sending him a status report of the jobs assigned by him to you, but I fear it may not be received well, and the person may get the impression that you are trying to trap him. Furthermore, I have seen bosses who still try to undermine their subordinates, anyway.

Good luck.

Regards,
S.K. Johri